ASTON Villa Shareholders' Association have backed the bid of American billionaire Randy Lerner who has won the battle to take control of Aston Villa.

ASTON Villa Shareholders' Association have backed the bid of American billionaire Randy Lerner who has won the battle to take control of Aston Villa.

AVSA staged an EGM on Thursday evening and voted to sell their shares to Lerner and in effect disband after 34 years.

Lerner, who had a #62.6million bid accepted 10 days ago by Villa chairman Doug Ellis, now has a clear path to take charge following the withdrawal from the contest of the Michael Neville-led consortium.

AVSA, in a statement, said: "The Aston Villa Shareholders' Association held an EGM on Thursday night to vote on a single resolution - whether to sell the Association's shareholding in Aston Villa plc and thus back the takeover offer made by RAL.

"The results were an overwhelming 'yes' with 95 per cent of the vote backing the recommendation to back the bid by Randy Lerner and to return our share certificate with the necessary forms.

"Although the AVSA shareholding is by no means large, the symbolism of the backing for the bid speaks volumes.

"The Association in its current form was established in 1973 and, despite the fact that it will obviously cease to exist if and when Aston Villa are de-listed, we felt it only right to back the current bid and to help in a small way to send a vote of confidence to Randy Lerner."

Lerner, the owner of NFL side Cleveland Browns, and his representatives made contact with several supporters' groups before making their bid and AVSA are hoping the policy of involving fans will continue.

The statement continued: "We wish Randy Lerner all the very best and, much like the now disbanded Villa Fans Combined, hope that he will continue to consult with fans and set up some sort of fan representation at the club.

"To move the club forward, we feel being inclusive will prove critical."